How Turkey’s New Home-Services Regulation Impacts Residence Permits for Foreigners

On June 1, 2025, Turkey’s Ministry of Interior enacted an update to the “Home Services” regulation, tightening rules around hiring domestic staff in private households. This change has direct implications for expats who rely on live-in caretakers, nannies, or housekeeping teams to meet the residence-permit requirement for minimum accommodation standards. Below, we break down what’s new, how it affects your permit application or renewal, and the steps you need to take to stay compliant.

1. Overview of the New Home-Services Regulation

• Mandatory declaration: All foreign residents must declare any full-time live-in staff in their accommodation permit application.
• Formal contracts: Employment agreements for domestic workers must be notarized and include social-security registration.
• Inspection rights: Provincial Gendarmerie and Police now have authority to audit household records for compliance.
• Penalty schedule: Fines range from 5,000 TRY to 25,000 TRY for non-declaration or unregistered staff.

2. Why It Matters for Your Residence Permit

1. Employ live-in staff without declaring them → your application may be suspended.
2. Fail to register domestic workers with SGK (Social Security) → your renewal could be denied.
3. Receive an inspection notice and cannot produce contracts → you risk fines or probationary status.

3. Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist

1. Inventory your staff: List all live-in employees (nannies, housekeepers, caregivers).
2. Notarize contracts: Draft employment agreements in both Turkish and your language. Get them notarized at any civil registry office.
3. Register with SGK: Ensure each employee is enrolled in social security within 30 days of contract signing.
4. Update application: Attach the notarized contract copies and SGK receipts to your e-ikamet dossier.
5. Prepare for inspection: Keep the original contracts and SGK confirmation next to your permit at all times.

4. Timeline & Fees

Action	Deadline	Fee (TRY)
Notarize contract	Within 30 days of hiring	~200–400
SGK registration	Within 30 days of notarization	Employer share only
Residence-permit update	At next renewal	Based on permit type

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I only have a part-time cleaner. Do I need to declare?

No — this regulation applies only to live-in staff who reside at your address. Part-time or external services (e.g., weekly cleaning) are exempt.

Q: What happens if I miss the deadline?

If you miss the 30-day window, you may face a fine of up to 10,000 TRY and a possible delay in your renewal decision.

Q: Can I appeal a fine?

Yes. You have 15 days to file an administrative objection with your local Governor’s Office (“Valilik”). SP Law & Consultancy can assist with the appeal process.

Conclusion & Next Steps

• Review any live-in contracts you currently have
• Complete notarization & SGK registration
• Submit updated documents with your next application

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